October 6, 2019

I Ching Oracle reading.

_______O______9
______________7     Sun The gentle, wind
______    ______8
                                53 Development
_______________7            Gradual progress
______      ______8   Ken Keeping still, mountain
______      ______ 8

A tree on the mountain develops  slowly according to the law of its being and consequently stands firmly rooted. This gives the idea of a development that proceeds gradually step by step. Within is tranquility and without is penetration, which makes development and progress possible.

THE JUDGMENT
Development. The maiden
Is given in marriage.
Good fortune.
Perseverance furthers.

The principal of gradual development is always applicable where it is a matter of correct relationships of co-operation, as for instance in the appointment of an official.

The development must be allowed to take its proper course. Hasty action would not be wise. This is also true, finally, of any effort to exert influence on others, for here too the essential factor is a correct way of development through cultivation of one’s own personality. No influence such as that exerted by agitators has a lasting effect.

Within the personality too, development must follow the same course if lasting results are to be achieved. Gentleness that is adaptable, but at the same time penetrating, is the outer form that should proceed from inner calm.

The very gradualness of the development makes it necessary to have perseverance, for perseverance alone prevents slow progress from dwindling to nothing.

THE IMAGE

On the mountain, a tree.
The image of development.
Thus the superior man abides in dignity and virtue,
In order to improve the mores.

The work of influencing people can only be gradual. No sudden influence or awakening is of lasting effect. Progress must be quite gradual, and in order to obtain such progress in public opinion and in the mores of the people, it is necessary for the personality to acquire influence and weight. This comes about through careful and constant work on one’s own moral development.

Nine at the top means:
The wild goose gradually draws near the cloud heights.
Its feathers can be used for the sacred dance.

Here life comes to its end. A man’s work stands completed. The path rises high toward heaven, like the flight of wild geese when they have left the earth far behind..thus the life of a man who has perfected himself is a bright light for the people of the earth, who look up to him as an example.

The follow up hexagram is # 39/Chien/Obstruction.
The hexagram represents obstructions that appear in the course of time but that can and should be overcome and all instruction is given to overcoming them.